CPG Hotels, one of New Zealand’s largest privately-owned and operated hotel groups, is expanding its portfolio with the acquisition of an iconic Hanmer Springs hotel which will re-open its doors before Christmas 2020. JLL Hotels agent, Nick Thompson managed the sale.

Formerly the Hanmer Springs Heritage Hotel, the hotel is in the heart of the Hanmer Springs Village and will be called Hanmer Springs Hotel. Next year, the hotel will undergo a full refurbishment to transform it into a luxury five-star Fable Hotel & Resorts branded hotel.

CPG Hotels Group Operations Director, Ronnie Ronalde says they are delighted to bring back around 40 jobs to Hanmer Springs.

“This recent acquisition means we are able to breathe new life into the property. Hanmer Springs is a beautiful location surrounded by mountains and with its famous thermal hot springs, mountain biking and hiking. We are excited to be adding to the destination’s appeal for both local, and eventually international, visitors,” says Ronalde.

“We have a fantastic chef coming on board who will work with our CPG Hotels Group Executive Chef Jinu Abraham to offer a very locally-sourced menu – hearty food with Jinu’s own unique twist.”

A boutique brand, Fable was unveiled by CPG Hotels in July of this year and represents a move away from large-scale establishments, offering all guests “full-service luxury” and tailor made, personalised experiences.

The purchase of Hanmer Springs Heritage starts a new chapter for the hotel having been built in 1879 and serving as an 18-room wooden lodge. Since then, it has been used as a hospital in WW1 and seen the addition of a Spanish-style concrete building and the bell tower in 1932. In 1958, the original lodge was damaged in a fire.

“The current owners are delighted to be selling this iconic hotel to CP Group as they know our plans are to reopen and start restoring and refurbishing the hotel to a 5-star luxury level under our new Fable brand,” says Ronalde.

Across nine hectares, there are 54 rooms, 16 of which are garden villas. Guests can also enjoy the tennis court, petanque piste and solar-heated outdoor pool.

The hotel has been closed to guests since March of this year and its opening ahead of summer means it can welcome visitors keen on forest hiking, mountain biking, horse trekking, bungy jumping, golf and boating to name a few activities on offer.

JLL Hotels agent, Nick Thompson, who managed the sale of the property said he was pleased to help keep this asset in New Zealand hands and support the recovery of the regional economies.

“This sale demonstrates the confidence the market has in the recovery of our tourism industry,” said Thompson.

Hotel Fitzroy curated by Fable in Ponsonby in Auckland was the first property under the Fable brand to open this year. It will soon be joined by Fable Dunedin (formerly Wains Hotel Dunedin) and later the Picton Yacht Club Hotel.

The Hanmer Springs hotel will reopen on 21st December 2020, just in time for the summer holiday season.